Most confrontations involving guns occur in less than 10 feet distance. Honestly, you should go handle several models in various calibers and find the one that feels most natural to hold/fire. In a real-life scenario, I'd want my reaction to be as quick/natural as possible, and for the weapon to be reliable. The caliber would be a bit less important than those factors, for me. I still love the 1911 I mentioned above for all those reasons, but everyone is different.

- The model I purchased (Kimber Super Match) is very reliable for accuracy and performance (no misfires to date, knock on wood)

- I tried lots of models, and the grip on this one was the most natural fitting for my hand (everyone is different on hand size and shape, thus the need to try different models and see what's most natural for you).

- When I was in law enforcement many years ago, I carried a .45 as my duty weapon (Reuger P90DC), so I was already accustomed to the kick and overall feel of a .45 cal. pistol, and I like a .45 cal round for knock-down power (again, most likely if ever needed for self-defense, will likely be in less than 10 feet, so knock-down of a .45 meant more to me than accuracy at longer distances that you get with say a 9mm).

- There is a nostalgia to owning a model 1911 as well, quite frankly. No, that doesn't factor into how convenient it may or may not be as a personal carry/home defense weapon, but I always wanted to own one and love the one I have. I think a small part of that is the simplicity and timelessness of the model.

Looked this up today and I actually just got back to the office from buying the single stack G43. Me and my VP both went with the intention of buying the 26 and both left with the 43. So slim and sleek, very easy to handle and to conceal. Thinking about running down to my moms house and firing a box of ammo through it tonight.

"I like cussing, getting drunk, and fooling around with women" Danny Balis